November 4, 2022 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Fri, 11/04/2022 - 1:13pm
  • To opt-in to HCPSS Text messages, text "YES" to 67587 from the device on which you would like to receive messages.
  • Be sure to click on the "Calendar" link at the top of our website for important dates throughout the school year.
  • View the breakfast and lunch menus here.  Please keep in mind that items on the menus are subject to availability.

Important Dates
November 4           7:00 Movie Night.  View the concessions list/prices here.
November 5 
        Watch D.O.G.S Map touch up 10 a.m.
November 7           1st Grade Field Trip
November 7           8:00 a.m. Conference Window Opens for Parents to Schedule Conferences (more info below)
November 8           Election Day - Schools and Offices Closed
November 9           Picture Re-Take Day (see below)
November 14         Chipotle Restaurant Night - View flyer in English.  View flyer in Spanish
November 15         7:00 PTA Meeting
November 17         Joe Corbi’s Pick up
November 21         Schools close 3 hours early (12:45 for FRES) for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 22         Schools close 3 hours early (12:45 for FRES) for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 23         Schools closed for students for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 24-25   Schools and Offices closed for Thanksgiving holiday

View the HCPSS Calendar in English
View the HCPSS Calendar in Spanish
View the HCPSS Calendar in Korean
View the HCPSS Calendar in Chinese

***Want to receive HCPSS text messages regarding weather-related closing info, late bus info, etc.?  You must opt-in.  Text "YES" to 67587 from the device on which you would like to receive messages.***

From our Administrators...

Dear FRES Community,

We had a great week here at FRES.  It’s hard to believe that the first quarter has ended and we are on to the second quarter.  On Wednesday, all grades celebrated their positive behavior for the first quarter with our Pumped Up Recess.  The weather couldn’t have been more perfect and our students loved dancing to music as well as playing with the giant blow up balls and other fun activities.  Today our fourth graders went on a field trip to the MD Science Center.  Thanks to all the parents that volunteered for this trip.  

Just a reminder, please label all jackets, coats and water bottles.  As the weather continues to change we end up having a lot of unclaimed possessions left after recess.  If you would like to look at our Lost and Found, please stop in the front office.  We will have all the items out during our conferences as well as during our evening Book Fair event.  

Have a wonderful weekend,

Mr. Conroy and Ms. Pazornik

Forest Ridge News...

Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 21st, 22nd, and 23rd are the designated dates for our first round of Parent Teacher Conferences.  First quarter conferences can be scheduled with your child’s ELA teacher.  Families wishing to conference with any of our related arts teachers can email the teacher(s) directly. 

It is important to be aware of the in-person and virtual nights for conferences this quarter: 

  • Monday, 11/21 - All Conferences are In-Person at FRES
  • Tuesday, 11/22 - All Conferences are Virtual - link will be sent
  • Wednesday, 11/23 - All Conferences are Virtual - link will be sent

Please understand that teachers create their schedules within a framework and have some flexibility in building their conference schedules. Not all teacher conference schedules will look alike. 

Beginning Monday, 11/7 at 8:00 a.m., you can log into your parent account via HCPSS.org/Connect  to view and select from the time slots provided by the teacher for the conference.  Step-by-step directions are below.  If you do not have access to HCPSS Connect, please call the school for assistance at 410-880-5950.

Directions to Select a Conference Time:

  • Login to hcpss.org/connect
  • Select Conference from the left-side choices
  • Select Parent Scheduled Conferences at the top right
  • Select a time slot for your conference.

You will have access through Thursday, 11/17 at 4:00 p.m. to schedule your child’s conference by logging into HCPSS Connect.

Picture Retake Day is November 9
Picture Retake Day is for:

  • Students new to FRES since September 8
  • Students absent on September 8
  • Students whose parents did not like the original photo and want it re-taken.  Note:  You must return the entire original pack of pictures in order to get a photo retaken.

Please email christin_traini@hcpss.org for a picture money envelope/order form, or if you have questions.

From the PTA...Get More PTA Info at the PTA Website

Reflections Arts Competition
Does your student love producing art? Sign them up to submit a work of art to the Reflections Program; this nationwide PTA program is available at FRES. Your student should choose a category, review the theme, and then CREATE! We will recognize and display their artwork to the FRES community and they will also have the opportunity to advance to a Howard County competition! This is a low-key and encouraging way to support your child's interest in the arts; everyone's entries are welcome and no prior experience or training is necessary.  Students can choose from six artistic categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts (including 3D Art).  The registration form can be found here: https://frespta.org/resources/fres-reflections-program/  Pieces are due by November 30th so please register today. Election Day is a great day to work on their art interpreting the theme: Show Your Voice!

Movie Night
Save the Date – Friday, Nov. 4th will be our First Movie Night!  Bring the family with blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars in the bus loop.  We will be selling concessions and watching Hotel Transylvania!  Sign up to help with concessions here https://frespta.ptboard.com/sgnvw

Watch D.O.G.S – Nov. 5
FRES PTA is looking for a few WatchDOGS to come help touch up the US Map painted on the blacktop! We need to touch up some of the borders as well as add a non skid coating over the whole map. Dunkin Donuts and coffee will be provided! Please consider coming to help out this Saturday November 5th at 10am!  Sign up to help out here https://frespta.ptboard.com/sgnvw

Cold Weather Clothes Drive
Some of our FRES families are in need of winter clothes, jackets, hats, and gloves. Please consider donating any cold weather clothes your children may have outgrown. Donations can be given to the front office, dropped off in the car loop, brought to a meeting or event, or given to our Spanish liaison, Ms. Paola.

Volunteer Opportunities!
Do you enjoy helping out and volunteering when you can but can’t make a regular, on-going, big commitment? We have opportunities for you! First, join the FRES PTA; visit https://frespta.ptboard.com  to create a PTA account then select your membership (individual or family for two adults) from the “Forms & Payments” section. Then check out the listings already under “Volunteer Signups”! https://frespta.ptboard.com/sgnvw  As a member, you’ll receive an email alert each time a new opportunity is posted.

In the Community...

From Bread of Life Food Pantry in Savage
Every month the Bread of Life Food Pantry, located at the First Baptist Church of Savage, serves an average of 30 families (112 individuals.)  As we draw closer to the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Season, the Bread of Life Food pantry prepares to fill the shelves and refrigerators of the families that depend on school lunches as well as those that may not qualify for assistance. 

They are asking for our school community to support their Annual Food Drive during the month of November leading up to the Friday before Thanksgiving (October 31 - November 18, 2022.)
 
They are collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries that will be handed out to families the week of Thanksgiving and each Thursday leading up to Christmas.  Items may be dropped off at First Baptist Church of Savage, 8901 Washington St, Savage, MD 20763, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, 9:00-2:00.  Outside of these hours, arrangements can be made by calling (301) 725-3944.  View their flyer here.

HCPSS Community News and Programs Site: 
In response to community requests for resources, HCPSS’ new Community News and Programs website makes it easy for families to find educational and recreational resources, events and after-school programs beyond the school day by non-profit organizations.  Community organizations requesting their announcements be shared in school newsletters should visit community-programs.hcpss.org for more information. Questions should be directed to the Public Information Office at publicinfo@hcpss.org.

Maryland STEM Festival
The Maryland STEM Festival is a month-long celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics that takes place every Fall. This year’s festival theme is Cybersecurity and Information Technology. Join activities from October 14th through November 14th as exciting topics and their associated fields and careers are explored! Students of all grades, along with their families and friends, STEM professionals, teachers, and volunteers can choose from a selection of hundreds of different fun, interactive science learning opportunities taking place throughout Maryland. See event offerings and register here.

SAVE THE DATE AND MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Howard Lions' Pride Second Annual Craft Fair:  Sunday, November 6th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Howard High School. Our 100+ vendors will be selling crafts, books, candles, kitchen goods, jewelry, home decor, clothing, accessories, and much more! General Info link: https://tinyurl.com/3tzxuhme.

We are still accepting craft and food truck vendors, so please spread the word and this link: https://tinyurl.com/bdfuta49.

HC Drug Free Events
Receive HC DrugFree's Free Newsletter: To receive HC DrugFree's free electronic newsletter packed with information for parents and opportunities for students, go to https://hcdrugfree.org/enews-signup/

Stay Informed about What’s Happening in Howard County: Sign up for HC DrugFree’s newsletter at https://hcdrugfree.org/enews-signup/ to get updates on events as well as information to keep your family safe and informed.